Stress sanitation

Re “Teen with staph infection dies,” July 25

There are practical steps California parents and educators can take to protect their students from the community-acquired “superbugs” in our schools. Downey High School wrestler Noah Armendariz’s tragic death should inspire everyone to take extra precautions.

Encourage students to wash their hands frequently, and make it possible for them to do so without leaving class. Parents of children 8 and older should tuck a small container of hand sanitizer in their book bag. School authorities should install dispensers of hand sanitizer inside classrooms.

Students should be warned against sharing gym clothes. When locker rooms and gyms have a strong odor, bacteria are the cause. Wrestling mats, locker-room benches and other surfaces should be cleaned with detergent and water. A quick spray and wipe is insufficient. Surfaces must be drenched for three minutes. For other practical steps to reduce the infection risk, please visit hospitalinfection.org.

Betsy McCaughey

Chairman, Committee

to Reduce Infection

New York